ASHBURN, Va.—Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Monday rookie running back Alfred Morris would continue to start even though there was no reason for the announcement. Morris clearly has earned the starting job over Evan Royster and Roy Helu.

Morris’ debut included 96 yards on 28 carries, while adding toughness to an offense that is suddenly more finesse. Where Morris stands out over the other two is his vision and ability to gain yards after contact.

Morris’ 5-yard touchdown run Sunday included driving through New Orleans Saints linebacker David Hawthorne. Why? Because Morris lowered his pads at contact and exploded, something he has done since camp opened.

Morris isn't fast, but he reacts decisively and quickly, compensating for any lack of 40-yard dash speed (4.68 at the NFL Combine).

He won’t hit a lot of homers for the Redskins, but what they need him to do is get a steady diet of 3- and 4-yard runs, keeping Robert Griffin III out of negative situations on second and third downs. That formula worked vs. New Orleans.

Meanwhile, when Helu got the ball, his vision wasn't the same as Morris’. Helu missed two lanes, one on a catch and another on a run, that would have resulted in a touchdown and a good gain.

That might have come from rust, and there’s no doubt that Helu, because of his speed, must get touches. But Morris’ hard running style deserves many more looks.